How to Visit Mijas Pueblo in the Costa del Sol, Andalucia

Mijas Pueblo is one of the most visited White villages in the Costa del Sol and it definitely gets its share of day trippers visiting the city and exploring every viewpoint, historical landmark and fun or unique places to see in town. What I love about visiting this White Pueblo village is that everything is so compact and easy to walk around from the narrow streets, the lovely plazas that open up unexpectedly and cultural sites that make it fun to enjoy the vibe and feel of the city.

I do have to admit that the town does feel a little touristy but in between all the shops, restaurants and bars, there’s some fabulous views, fascinating cultural sites, gardens and unique places that make Mijas it’s own special place to visit.

You can definitely make this an easy day trip or stay overnight when all the day trippers leave and you can enjoy all the views and quiet moments here in beautiful Mijas.

How to get to Mijas Pueblo

There are no trains that get to the hilltop village so the normal transportation covers taxi, rental cars or taking the bus to get you there. Here’s a breakdown of the routes to Mijas Pueblo.

Public Transportation

By far the most popular way of getting to Mijas is to take public transportation and the main bus hubs to reach the village is through Fuengirola, Marbella and Malaga from their bus station. You can typically purchase tickets at the station, the ticket kiosk and sometimes through the bus driver. The bus ride from Fuengirola to Mijas costs around 2 euro and takes less than 22 minutes to get to the central area of Mijas. Look for the M-122 bus and you can check the schedule inside the station.

Tip – I would get tickets the first two options since if the driver is busy, he can refuse not taking any money because of the crowds trying to get into the bus.

Taxi to Mijas

More direct to Mijas but more expensive is to hire a taxi to get you to the village especially if you have a larger group of people traveling that can make it more affordable. Taxi one way to Mijas from Fuengirola costs approximately 14 Euro one way for the twenty minute ride up to Mijas. So, if you are in a rush or even late, then taxi service is still reasonable to get there one say.

Rental Car

Driving your rental car up to Mijas is fairly easy and takes around 20 minutes, but that doesn’t include trying to find a parking spot. There is basically street parking but there are also public parking lots that are relatively close to the main square. You should come early if you want to have a parking spot visiting the town.

Is it worth visiting Mijas Pueblo?

Even though Mijas is a very busy and popular tourist attraction, it definitely is worth a visit for the views, free Flamenco show, lots of shopping and dining venues and unique cultural sites that remain intact and open for visitors to experience. The viewpoints called Miradors overlooking the Costa del Sol below and to the coastline is worth the visit alone and taking photo ops fronting this scenery is an easy souvenir photo op.

Once you take in all the views, it’s easy enough to wander around the plaza and narrow streets to discover the unique charm and vibe of the Pueblo.

Day Trip from Fuengirola to Mijas with Tour Company

This is another option to visiting Mijas Pueblo and not have to make your own arrangements and have someone drive and tour you around the town and other places of interest. The local outfits I’m recommending below have good ratings and they will pick you up at strategic places to get everyone on board. Depending on the area that you are based taking a tour takes out the hassle of driving, parking and walking around with no idea about what you are seeing.

The tour outfitters here offer these spectacular tours to try

Private walking tour of Mijas Pueblo

Panoramic electric tuk tuk tour

All day tour of Costa del Sol and Mijas

Here’s some of the top sites and attractions to visit at Mijas Pueblo

Check out the tourist office and viewpoints

Get your map, ask your questions and check out the best views from above at the mirador viewpoints behind the tourist office.

Watch the free Flamenco show at the bandstand

I love this amazing and free show offered by the local tourist board, it really is a good production, colorful with good photo opportunities.

Usually starting around noon, there’s is a free dance performance sponsored by the local tourism office on Wednesday and Saturday at 12pm. I do have to say it is quite nice and entertaining with dancers that do a variety of local dances that are lively and entertaining. When you make it to the main square head out to the left side where the bandstand is and you’ll find the crowds gather around the benches.

Tip – if you want a seat, get there early to reserve a bench, although people do start to pack in the area and even stand to take pics when you are seating.

Plaza de la Constitution

From there, head up the hill towards the village and make a first stop in Plaza de la Constitution, where you will find many popular restaurants – many which offer drinks, local snacks or their Menu del Dia (Menu of the day) which is typically three courses with a drink for a good lunch price. It’s easy enough to wander and check out the shops and galleries and just see what catches your eye.

Plaza de Toros in Mijas

This is an easy spot to visit that is basically a living museum and there are actually no bullfights that occur here for the time being. The Plaza de Toros is the smallest one in Spain but filled with interesting photos, images and collections. The short tour won’t take long but it’s worth it for the photo ops to see a piece of historic Mijas and culture in the area.

La Muralla

I love this part of the village with the botanical gardens that are called La Muralla. You can find some fantastic views of the area from above, some sitting areas with shady trees and just enjoy the mature gardens that are well used by locals and tourists alike.

Check out the Flower stairs of Mijas

Close to the Plaza Virgin de la Pena and heading up Calle de los Canos, you’ll find the beautiful Flower Stairs of Mijas with great views from above and some unique shops to find along the way. Definitely a photo op stop to capture, its a very IG and pretty staircase to climb and see what’s at the end.

Old town streets and shopping

After exploring the top area of Mjias and come back downhill to explore the narrow streets of the old town. You can enjoy visiting the local pottery shops or artisan shops, eateries and bars and just get lost rambling though these narrow pathways with hidden squares and viewpoints that you can discover along the way.

Plaza Virgin de la Pena

Another beautiful plaza that is filled with gorgeous architecture housing art galleries, tourist shops, cafes and hang out spots. The main square of Mijas is truly large scale at the entrance of Mijas and has the main attractions including the Miniature museum, the Monkey Chocolate factory, the main tourist office and town hall and the Ermita de la Virgin. You’ll enjoy hanging out or just walking around the main plaza area.

Try some of the local specialty goods and sweets at Plaza Virgin de la Pena

On the main square are many tasting specialty food and tourist vendors doing a quick trade of local foods and souvenirs to buy from this local vendors. Stop and try some of the yummy snacks and sweets to take away or bring for souvenirs.

Miradors of Mijas Pueblo

You’ll see that there’s a lot of spectacular views of the area from above and these Miradors or viewpoints are fun to them all out. Here’s some of the must-see spots around the village:

Mirador del Paseo del Muralla

Located at the Parque Botanico, when you walk around the edges of the park, you’ll find the views looking down into the lower level landscapes to the ocean spectacular. You’ll enjoy the walk, sitting areas and the garden itself to enjoy.

Mirador de la Era del Copas

Located across the way from the Ermita de la Virgi de la Pena and behind the touris office is one of the first stunning mirador to enjoy the coastal areas of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean sea far down and maybe into the African coastline.

Climb up past the Flower Stairs

Further up past the Flower Stairs, you’ll find lots of amazing vista points or Miradors that have even higher level views that include Mijas itself in the photo capture unlike the other miradors.

One of the popular streets at Callejon de los Gitanos

One of the pretty and narrow streets around Mijas also offers great views the higher up you go up the street, its definitely a great photo op spot with lots of Instagram moments to capture along the way.

Classic eateries and hang out spots at Mijas

Mijas, located on the Costa del Sol in Spain, is a picturesque Andalusian town with both mountain views and seaside charm. It’s a great place to explore traditional Spanish cuisine and enjoy some laid-back spots and popular bars. Here are a few classic eateries and hangout spots to check out:

1. Bar Porras

This traditional tapas bar in the heart of Mijas Pueblo has been around for decades, serving up local favorites like croquetas, boquerones (anchovies), and jamón. The simple, no-frills atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.

2. Restaurante El Mirlo Blanco

Known for its cozy, rustic feel, this restaurant has been a staple in the area for years. Specializing in Basque cuisine, it’s a perfect spot to try some seafood or the famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig). The terrace offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

3. La Alcazaba

With a large terrace overlooking the coastline, La Alcazaba is well-known for its traditional Andalusian dishes. Paella, grilled meats, and fresh fish are often on the menu, making it ideal for a relaxed, long lunch with a view.

4. Bar El Canuelo

A small, family-run bar serving traditional Andalusian tapas and home-cooked meals. It’s a great place to experience local flavors in a casual setting. The friendly atmosphere and affordable prices make it a popular stop.

5. Casa El Abuelo

A classic in Mijas for authentic Spanish cuisine. It’s a great spot for tapas, but they also offer heartier meals. Their *gambas al pil-pil* (spicy prawns) and *patatas bravas* are local favorites.

Hangout Spots: cafes and bars

1. Plaza de la Constitución

You’ll find a many choices of bars and cafes lining around this charming square It’s a great spot to sit down and enjoy a coffee or a cold beer while watching the world go by. It’s especially lively in the evenings when locals and tourists come to relax.

2. Pena Flamenca El Gallo

A fantastic place to experience authentic flamenco performances in an intimate setting. While enjoying the music and dancing, you can also sip on wine and nibble on local delicacies. It’s a cultural experience with a cozy, community vibe.

3. Café Bar La Bóveda

A great little bar where you can grab a drink and chill. It’s popular among both tourists and locals. Its friendly service and relaxed ambiance make it an easy spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

4. Calle San Sebastián

This narrow street is filled with small shops, cafes, and tapas bars. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, where you can pop into various eateries or grab a seat and watch the lively atmosphere unfold.

Yes. there are museums to visit at Mijas

If you love to explore museums, then these are the must see places to visit around town.

CAC – Centro de Arte Contamporaneo

Mostly an art gallery that showcases original pieces of work by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and other local artist into this lovely contemporary art gallery.

Miniature Museum (Carromato de Mijas)

If you’re into miniature displays, this museum has it all with small carved and painted figures of various types of famous and regular personalities, regular activities, markets and shops along with the typical armaments and battle type of miniatures you’ll find in many of these type of museums. The quality and workmanship of these miniatures are really amazing to see in tiny details.

Casa Museo – Museo Historico-Etnologico

This small-scale museum preserves and showcases the history and culture of Mijas with displays, collections and artifacts that cover the range of time during its history, development to today. Working in the early days around the area and farming communities makes you realize how hard life was back then, but then also how simpler and authentic the experiences where with community and work.

Other unique places and experiences to visit at Mijas Pueblo

You’ll find these other places worth visiting if you have more free time to enjoy a day or two in Mijas Pueblo

Mayan Monkey Chocolate Factory

I went to visit the Mayan Monkey just for a snack and enjoyed the chocolates so much, I signed up for the chocolate making class with a friend to celebrate their birthday and it was so much fun.

The chocolate shop has the factory at the Plaza Virgin de la Pena and there is a smaller shop on Plaza Constitucion.

Checking out all the yummy toppings to add to our chocolate bars below

If you’re interested in taking the class, you can sign up for their chocolate classes here.

Ermita de la Virgin de la Peña

An Ermita is a chapel and a peña is a monolithic rock above Mijas. This chapel was apparently carved into the rock in the seventeenth century by a Carmelite monk to remember the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to two children who were herding sheep. You’ll find the viewpoints up by the chapel to be quite spectacular and worth the climb to the top.

The Calvary chapel

You want to do a little hiking with spectacular views, you will love this cardio climb to the Calvary Chapel above Mijas Pueblo. The chapel was once used as a retreat by the Carmelite monks guarding the chapel “Virgen de la Peña” below in the town.

If you would like to visit the inside, the Calvary Chapel opens only on Fridays and only during Lent period. However, it is worth going up there to enjoy the spectacular panorama of the coast and the Mediterranean.

Tip – take your time climbing up to the chapel, its very rocky and a little tricky getting up there on some rough trails, but the views and experience is spectacular.

Tuk-tuk ride

Tuk tuk rides are a great way to visit the town with a guide that speaks English. It is easy and you don’t have to do any uphill climbing to see things and get a better look at the town without having to climb or walk.

key taxi, take a tuk-tuk instead. We saw a few of these on the streets and we heard the guides giving out great information.

Donkey and horse rides around Mijas

Mijas is famous for its donkeys and horse rides that hang out in the main square and if that’s your thing, to take a cruise around the area, that’s where you go to do this. I do love taking pictures of the horse and carriage and also the donkeys, but its not really my thing to take a ride especially on hot days so they can carry me all the way around and the back streets of Mijas. But it’s a nice ride from what I see so if it floats your boat, go for it.

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